Page 118 of Sinful Lies

Time dragged, as I wondered how long she’d wait before making a move.

Not too long.

Her fingers brushed my back, tentative at first, tracing the scars like they were something she needed to understand, some map to a place she shouldn’t be.

I froze.

Her touch was light, almost innocent.

I turned quickly, grabbing her wrist and halting her. Her breath caught, but she didn’t pull away, didn’t fight me. I held her there, her hand pressed flat against my chest, my heart hammering under her palm.

For a moment, I let it linger, her fingers too close to something I didn’t want her to touch, but couldn’t stop from wanting.

I brought her hand to my lips and kissed her knuckles.

“How the hell are you fluent in Italian?” I muttered, the question slipping out before I could stop myself. It had been gnawing at me ever since that flawless Italian had rolled off her tongue.

A little smirk played at the corner of her mouth. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb,” I chuckled darkly, still holding her hand. “Six years. Six fucking years, and you were sitting on that little secret?”

“I learned it so I could make sure you weren’t talking behind my back, Lazzio.”

“Hmm,” I muttered, narrowing my eyes. “What have you heard, then?”

She shrugged, slipping her hand free from mine, only to let it dance freely on my chest, her fingers lazily tracing patterns against my skin.

“That you think I’m very smart, the shadow haunting your dreams, way too attractive to be gracing your life, and that you cry into your pillow every night wishing you were worthy of me.”

I couldn’t help it—I laughed.

A low, genuine laugh rumbled from my chest.

“Cry? I don’t think I’ve ever encountered someone so outrageously in love with themselves.”

Leaning in, her lips just barely brushed mine, her hand sliding to cradle my cheek.

“It’s okay, boss,” she whispered. “You’re only human. No one can escape falling for me—not even you.”

Then she pressed herself against me, and?—

Jesus Christ.

She’s naked.

Gloriously fucking naked.

A groan slipped out before I could stop it, deep and guttural, and my hands instinctively circled her waist, pulling her closer.

Her bare chest pressed against mine, and it was like we were two puzzle pieces, perfectly designed to ruin each other.

She let out a soft breath as my fingers skimmed over the delicate curve of her back, and her lips parted wider, inviting me in.

My mouth dropped to hers, hungry and rough.

I leaned back, brushing a strand of her hair.

“You’re right,amore, I’m only human.”

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